Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy, 51, a Richland DOE employee, faces federal charges for allegedly traveling to the Middle East and aiding the Houthis with communications help and acquiring explosive materials.
RICHLAND, Wash. — A 51-year-old Department of Energy employee from Richland faces federal charges after the FBI accused him of attempting to provide material support to the Houthis, a designated foreign terrorist organization backed by Iran.
Ashton Hamed Ellaboudy faces allegations that he traveled to Yemen and used his electrical engineering expertise to help improve Houthi communications capabilities. Investigators also say he acquired materials used to build homemade explosives and drones.
Ellaboudy faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. He made his initial appearance before a federal magistrate judge in Richland Friday, Oct. 2.
The Department of Energy’s Hanford Field Office said the investigation did not involve an attempt to harm the Hanford Site or its workforce.
“This matter did not involve an attempt to harm the Hanford Site or its workforce, and at no time was there a threat to the safety or security of the site.”
Ray Geimer, Hanford Field Office Manager
FBI investigation traced alleged activities
According to court records, the FBI began investigating Ellaboudy after receiving information that he had purchased precursor chemicals, components and other materials commonly used to construct homemade explosive devices.
Investigators also found that Ellaboudy purchased parts for drones and remotely operated aerial systems, according to the criminal complaint.
The FBI learned in December 2024 that Ellaboudy had taken sick leave from his job. He reportedly said he had suffered exposure to highly concentrated nitric acid, a chemical commonly used to make explosive materials.
In September 2025, Ellaboudy traveled from Richland to Oman using an official passport the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had issued during his previous government employment.
Ellaboudy then crossed from Oman into Yemen and planned to travel to Sanaa, the country’s capital, which the Houthis control.
After returning to the United States, Ellaboudy told U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers that he had traveled overseas on official government business. His Department of Energy supervisor later told investigators that Ellaboudy had no authorization for government travel to that region.
The Houthis are formally known as Ansar Allah, which is a Zaydi Shiite political and military movement originating from northern Yemen. They are armed and financed by Iran and the IRGC-Quds Force.
Ellaboudy allegedly provided technical assistance
During the investigation, Ellaboudy began communicating with an FBI confidential human source who claimed to work for a Houthi colonel.
The source sought communications equipment for a mobile communications center in Yemen, according to the complaint.
Ellaboudy allegedly used his electrical engineering background to help the source test and modify solar power generators and communications equipment.
Investigators said he also provided technical schematics and diagrams and explained how to integrate the power and communications systems. Investigators say he researched additional equipment and provided guidance that could improve the Houthis’ communications capabilities.
“As alleged, a U.S. government employee traveled overseas and used his specialized expertise in an attempt to aid the Houthis.”
John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General for National Security
FBI Counterterrorism Division Assistant Director Jarod Brown said investigators believe Ellaboudy tried to help the group improve its communications capabilities while acquiring materials for homemade explosives and drones.
“Preventing terrorism and protecting the U.S. homeland is a vital part of the FBI’s mission.”
Jarod Brown, FBI Counterterrorism Division Assistant Director
The FBI’s Inland Northwest Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated the case.
Federal charges carry up to 20 years
Federal prosecutors charged Ellaboudy with attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
If convicted, Ellaboudy faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa Cartier-Giroux for the Eastern District of Washington and Justice Department Trial Attorneys Patrick Cashman and Ryan White of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.
The charges in the criminal complaint remain allegations. Ellaboudy is presumed innocent unless prosecutors prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
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